Most people with diabetes have heard of “carb counting” and I’m sure some of you actually do count carbohydrates. However, I find there is a lot of confusion about it. After all, it’s not something that you automatically know how to do if you get diagnosed with diabetes. Sure, if there’s a label you can look at that. But there’s a little more to it, and there is not a label on everything you eat. Were you given any advice about carb from your health care provider? Sometimes people are told to have a specific number of carbs per meal, let’s say 45 grams. (There is no “right” number … [Read more...]
The Sugar Scare! What to do When your Blood Sugar is Too High and you Don’t Eat Carbs
“It’s the Sugar Scare!” he said. That’s why he didn’t eat any fruit, bread, pasta and rice. Today let's talk about what to do when your blood sugar is too high and you don't eat carbs. “That orange looks and smells so good,” he added, “but I know it’ll jack my sugar up so I’m trying to stick to keto”. The “Sugar Scare” is when people avoid all fruit and starches (anything with carbohydrate) because they think it will raise their blood sugar too much. Instead, they eat only meat, poultry, fish, leafy vegetables and fats (butter, gravy, sauces, dressing and nuts). For many, this “no … [Read more...]
Why Carbohydrates are Not the Devil
"I know Carbohydrates are the devil!" she said as we were scheduling our meeting for medical nutrition therapy. It made me smile. That's a great way to say what so many people believe. I understand why it is so confusing to know what to believe. After all, people are avoiding carbohydrates and losing weight. People with diabetes and pre-diabetes hear that "carb" turns to glucose so they think it should be avoided. The truth is that carbohydrates are not the devil, but actually an essential nutrient that should be part of every meal. Let's start with the basics. Carbohydrate is one of … [Read more...]
Carbohydrate Counting Gadget and Tips
Carbohydrate counting can really be a nuisance, especially when you are new to it. I'm sharing my tips to make it easier. Recently a lady said to me " I resent having to do a math lesson every time I eat". I get that! Like anything that is new, with practice it becomes easier. For many, with time, it can become almost second nature. But first, let me explain. Carbohydrate counting is one diabetic meal planning method that people use to control their blood sugars. It can be a strategy used to eat a consistent amount of carbohydrate each day. It is important for most people to get … [Read more...]
Should You Eat Carbohydrate When you have Diabetes?
Should you eat carbohydrate when you have diabetes? When people learn that carbohydrate breaks down to sugar and moves into the blood stream, it is easy to understand why many would think they should avoid carbohydrate. Why would you want to eat something that makes your blood sugar go up? Here's why: Many healthy foods contain carbohydrate along with other important nutrients including fiber, vitamins and minerals. Most people think of carbohydrate as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. While it is true they do have carbohydrate, there are MANY other healthy sources of carbohydrate-all … [Read more...]
